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Hepatitis A

Programs & Services

Arkansas Department of Health

Reportable by Providers and Laboratories

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It typically causes a mild illness that can last for a few weeks or several months. However, people usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. Rarely, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and sometimes even death. These severe complications are more common in older people and people with serious health problems, like chronic liver disease. Once people recover from hepatitis A, they are protected from getting it again.

Transmission

Hepatitis A is highly contagious and spreads when someone ingests the virus, even in tiny amounts. This usually occurs through person-to-person contact or by eating or drinking contaminated food or drink. A person who has had other types of viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, can still get hepatitis A.

Symptoms

Not all people with hepatitis A will have symptoms. You can still spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms compared to children. Symptoms typically appear between two and seven weeks after exposure and last less than two months. But some people may feel sick for up to six months.

Most people who get hepatitis A will experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine 
  • Clay-colored
  • Joint pain
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (known as jaundice)

Treatment

For most people, the recommendation for hepatitis A is usually rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. Depending on your age and health, your provider might also recommend a treatment called immune globulin.

Prevention

Practicing good hand hygiene can prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, caring for someone with an infection, and changing diapers. You should also wash your hands before preparing or eating food.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have been exposed to hepatitis A. If given within two weeks of exposure, a single shot of the hepatitis A vaccine can help prevent you from getting sick. There is no danger in receiving the vaccine again if you are unsure if you have received it.

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination. Hepatitis A vaccines are safe and effective, preventing more than 90% of cases. The vaccine is recommended as a routine childhood immunization.

Vaccination is recommended for:

  • Children and Adolescents
    • Aged 12-23 months as part of routine childhood vaccination
    • Aged 2 to 18 who have not previously received the hepatitis A vaccine
  • People at increased risk for hepatitis A, including:
    • Have close contact with someone who has hepatitis A    
    • Travel to a country where hepatitis A is common
    • Men who have sex with men
    • Use illegal drugs (by injection or otherwise)
    • Have occupational exposure to hepatitis A
    • Have close contact with an international adoptee
    • People experiencing homelessness
    • Are incarcerated
  • People at increased risk for severe disease from hepatitis A infection
    • People with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C
    • People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Other people recommended for vaccination
    • Pregnant women at risk for hepatitis A or at risk for severe outcome from hepatitis A infection
    • Any person who requests vaccination

For more information

For Healthcare Providers

Contact Information

Outbreak Response
4815 W. Markham St., Slot 77
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-661-2381
Fax: 501-661-2428

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